La Fille mal gardée – Choreography by Sir Frederick Ashton DVD

UPC: 5060244550889

Product Features

• Title: La Fille mal gardée
• Choreographer: Sir Frederick Ashton
• Music: Ferdinand Hérold (arranged by John Lanchbery)
• Set and Costume Designer: Osbert Lancaster
• Cast:Orchestra: Covent Garden Orchestra
  • Lise: Nadia Nerina
  • Colas: David Blair
  • Widow Simone: Stanley Holden
  • Alain: Alexander Grant
  • Thomas: Leslie Edwards
  • A Notary: Franklin White
• Conductor: John Lanchbery
• Recording Venue: BBC Studio, London
• Recorded Date: 7-9 September 1962
• Format: DVD, NTSC, All Regions
• Running Time: 90 minutes, 37 seconds
• Sound: Enhanced Mono
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3
• Label: ICA Classics
• Release Year: 2012

Overview

This ICA Classics Legacy release presents Sir Frederick Ashton's charming ballet La Fille mal gardée, featuring a cast of the original performers who brought this beloved production to life. Filmed in 1962 by the BBC, this recording captures the light-hearted humor, bittersweet romance, and graceful choreography that have made Ashton’s production a staple in the classical ballet repertoire.

Nadia Nerina stars as Lise, delivering an enchanting performance as the mischievous daughter, while David Blair portrays Colas, her love interest, with equal charm and technical brilliance. The comedic role of Widow Simone, Lise’s overprotective mother, is hilariously performed by Stanley Holden. Alexander Grant’s portrayal of the bumbling suitor Alain adds further humor to this whimsical ballet.

The Covent Garden Orchestra, under the baton of John Lanchbery, brings Ferdinand Hérold's playful score to life, enhancing the ballet's lighthearted yet touching narrative. This DVD is part of the ICA Classics Legacy series, which restores and releases historical performances for the first time.

Interesting Facts

• Sir Frederick Ashton’s version of La Fille mal gardée was first performed in 1960 and is one of the oldest surviving ballets, originally choreographed by Jean Dauberval in 1789. Ashton’s version remains the most famous, known for its intricate footwork, charm, and humor.
• Nadia Nerina and David Blair, both legendary dancers, starred in the original 1960 production of Ashton’s La Fille mal gardée, and their chemistry in the roles of Lise and Colas is a highlight of this recording.
• The iconic "Clog Dance," performed by Widow Simone (Stanley Holden), is one of the ballet's most famous and comedic moments.

Publishers

• Label: ICA Classics
• Production: Licensed courtesy of BBC Worldwide
• Produced by: International Classical Artists Ltd

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